CREATIVE FINLAND From inspiration Did you know? to implementation Finland has a vibrant, successful gaming industry. 98 per cent of the game production is exported, and Finnish mobile games generate roughly 7 per cent of global mobile game revenues.
The views expressed herein are solely those of the authors. E-mail: [email protected] For free reference use. Welcome to creative Finland! industries andexperts, and present theirmany assets. nature andnatural materials. tically restrained. Many designers take theirinspiration from needs of clients andend-users. Their styleisalsocharacteris- approaches to products andart, Finnish designers focus onthe and design,isfunctionality. Without sacrificingtheirindividual class universities. After basiceducation, creative studies continue in Finland’s top- teachers increative subjectshave vocational degrees inarts. in receiving opportunitiesto practice musical instruments. All highly valued andeachchildistreated equally–for example, excellent education thatbeginsinkindergarten. Creativity is well astheentertaining. porary circus to digital gamesandapplications, theusefulas traditional arts,classical andpopular. They range from contem- creative industriesandskillshave taken theirplace alongside Culture hasmadeFinland whatitistoday. More recently, new Introduction In thefollowing pages,we introduce Finland’s creative Another cornerstone of success, especiallyinarchitecture The success of Finland’s creative industriesstems from 10 O9 O8 O7 O6 O5 O4 O3 O2 O1 Content
Literature Circus Game industry Architecture Arts education inFinland Audiovisual industry Dance &Theatre Visual arts Design Music theatres and designers. Photos: BusinessFinland, Otavamedia, Cover: TheBall Chair designedbyEero Aarnio. Production: Otavamedia OMA Text: Otavamedia OMA Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, 2018.
© Lauri Rotko
© Aalto University excellent education. industries stems from Finland’s creative The successof
© Rami Saarikorpi 01. Arts education in Finland
OUT-OF-SCHOOL ARTS AND CULTURAL EDUCATION IN FINLAND FORMAL EDUCATION IN FINLAND
UNIVERSITY EDUCATION / HIGHER EDUCATION Universities Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Arts and Culture. VARIETY OF PROVIDERS AND FORMS OF ARTS AND CULTURE EDUCATION / BASIC EDUCATION IN THE ARTS SECONDARY EDUCATION • Cultural activities as part of municipal youth departments In general upper secondary education students study music • Arts as a hobby in adult training centers, parishes etc. and visual arts as a compulsory arts subject and may choose • Education by museums, theatres and other cultural institutions optional specialisation studies and possible locally determined • Arts projects for different target groups funded by government, studies. 92,5% of general upper secondary schools offer diploma municipal or private foundations – organised by diverse providers. Youth and adults Youth courses. Vocational education and training offer various qualifications and studies of arts and culture education.
Arts education paths in Finland SPECIALISED ARTS SCHOOLS PROVIDE BASIC EDUCATION BASIC EDUCATION IN THE ARTS • Music, visual arts, crafts, physical education and home economics inland’s high-level education system is built The Finnish National Agency for Education Basic arts education is given in the following art forms: architecture,
are organised as separate subjects, studied mostly as compulsory on the principle of lifelong learning. The has developed the general upper secondary circus art, crafts, dance, literary art, media arts, music, theatre subjects but also as optional subjects. Dance and drama are and visual arts. It can be provided by a municipality, a municipal same idea is also important on the paths of diploma for students to demonstrate their skills integrated to physical education and mother tongue. F consortium, a registered society or foundation, and is arranged by • School morning and afternoon activities are arranged for 1st and arts and cultural education. and knowledge of home economics, visual arts, arts schools and various educational institutions. 2nd grade pupils. The cultural task of compulsory general crafts, physical education, media, music, dance • 393 music and arts schools (e.g. 120 adult education centres) • Club activities are arranged in conjunction with basic education. Basic education education (basic education) is to promote pupils’ and theatre – developed from 1995. in 6–16-year-olds • 251 municipalities (85% of all municipalities in Finland) • Opportunities for learning about local cultural heritage, cultural competence and their appreciation Within the Finnish educational system there • 126 000 students (approximately 15% of the age group institutions and art forms are enhanced by means of cultural education plans. It is an optional supplement to local curricula. of the cultural heritage. Building pupils’ own is also another goal-oriented structure; Basic participating in comprehensive schools) cultural identities is at the heart of teaching and Education in the Arts system. It is a unique feature learning in every school. In basic education, arts of the Finnish educational system in which the subjects (music, visual arts, crafts) cover 16% of all studies are voluntary, enabling the learning of EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE instruction time for pupils aged between 7 and various art forms in a systematic and progressive “Diverse forms of expression” is an area in the National Core EARLY CHILDHOOD ARTS AND CULTURAL EDUCATION Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care. 12 (grades 1–6). Pupils between 13–16 years study long-lasting manner. • Basic Education in the Arts in early childhood Pre-primary education is the systematic education and arts subjects at a minimum 7% of compulsory Basic Education in the Arts is prescribed in • Projects and education provided by art schools and art and instruction provided in the year preceding the start of compulsory instruction time (grades 7–9). In addition to the the law, supported by the state and goal-oriented culture centres and culture institutions education. It is organised in day-care centres and schools. The aim minimum time, schools distribute locally 5% of in proceeding from one level to the next. The • Implementations of culture education plans is to develop children’s skills in self-expression by practicing skills
total compulsory instruction time between music, system is nationwide. It is steered by the Ministry olds in 0–6-year • Club activities provided by parishes in music, visual arts, crafts and bodily and verbal expression. In early childhood education children are familiarised with visual arts, crafts, physical education and home of Education and Culture and the Finnish National early childhood education different art forms and cultural heritage. economics. Agency for Education along with early childhood, basic and upper secondary education.
4 5 02. Music
per capita than anywhere else in the world. With 3. international competition for places in them, their quality is constantly improving. The same competition forces Finnish musicians to develop their professional skills. Alongside the professional orchestras, there is only one professional choir in Finland but there are approximately 3,000 1. amateur ones. Listen, you’ll hear music FROM POPULAR MUSIC TO MOBILE APPLICATIONS inland rings with music; in relation to its Finnish composers of classical music include Kaija Studies are goal-oriented and individualised. The University of Arts and the universities of ap- population, the country has more symphony Saariaho and Magnus Lindberg. Finland’s top Their instructors have academic degrees and are plied sciences offer quality education in pop, rock F orchestras, more music festivals and even conductors include Esa-Pekka Salonen, Susanna professionals in pedagogics and music making. and jazz music. The Finns are very keen on their more heavy metal bands than anywhere else in Mälkki and Sakari Oramo. There are also private music schools as well as folk own pop and rock music, which helps explain the the world. Music is part of any definition of Finnish high schools and adult education centres where great number of festivals. identity and culture. It is telling that during the MUSIC EDUCATION IN FINLAND instruments and singing can be studied without Finland has produced a generation of three short summer months in Finland, there is a There are few other countries where every child entrance examinations. excellent composers and producers, who have © Lehtikuva music festival nearly every day. Festivals and con- plays an instrument at school. At elementary After studies at a music institute, there are three risen to prominence in countries like Japan. In cert series are organised in a wide array of genres, school there are music classes for at least one paths for those aspiring to become professional Asia, the Nordic style is in high demand. ranging from folk music to heavy metal and from hour a week. Education is also shifting away musicians. Conservatories offer upper secondary Start-ups that combine music skills with 4. classical music to jazz and techno, and the best from performing to creating and composing. education, while universities of applied sciences digital technology are a modern success story. festivals always draw large crowds. This is because Children are introduced to music at school but offer bachelor’s degrees in pedagogics or music. Developed by young Perttu Pölönen, Musiclock music plays such a strong part in daily life, from are musically beyond the classroom, too. Music The Sibelius Academy, part of the University of is a mobile application that makes a game out childhood onwards. kindergarten is very popular with pre-school the Arts Helsinki, offers university curriculums all of chord names and scales and also teaches Finnish music has a shortish history, dating children. the way up to doctorate degrees, and has been improvisation. Another mobile application, from the emergence of the National Romantic If the seed of musical interest is planted in designated the sixth best university in performing Yousician, provides interactive help with 2. style in the 19th century. The masterful symphonies comprehensive school, the fruit is cultivated in arts in the world. It offers a world-renowned instrument studies. and symphonic poems of the period, composed high-quality music institutes and conservatories, conductor class and also provides high-quality by Finland’s renowned Jean Sibelius, were of which Finland has nearly a hundred. Offering composer education. Further information: 1. Composer Kaija Saariaho inspired by nature and national mythology, but comprehensive basic education in the arts, Finland has plenty of job opportunities in Music Finland musicfinland.com 2. Inventor and composer Perttu Pölönen they have touched the whole world. Other famous they support a variety of interests and activities. symphony orchestras; there are more orchestras Sibelius Academy www.uniarts.fi/en/siba 3. Stam1na 4. Conductor Susanna Mälkki
6 7 Cases:
THE CALLING OF A CONDUCTOR national music markets. Her debut single Karma, Susanna Mälkki is a Finnish conductor and cellist. published in June 2016, was streamed over 22 Celebrations of Finland’s centenary During her career she has served as Music million times on Spotify in less than six months. It started in December 2016 with Sand- Director of Ensemble InterContemporain in Paris, was then featured on Bonfire, a remix by German storm, a hit by Finnish DJ Darude. This trance instrumental composed in and in 2016 she made her debut at New York’s DJ Felix Jaehn, which was streamed on Spotify 2009 is one of the most successful of Metropolitan Opera, conducting performances nearly a hundred million times. all time and represents one strand of of L’Amour de loin by Finnish composer Kaija Finland’s electronic dance music. Saariaho. In autumn 2016 Mälkki became Chief HEAVY METAL TO THE WORLD Conductor of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, Finnish heavy metal has a broad international and in autumn 2017 she began her tenure as following. In relation to its population, Finland Principal Guest Conductor of the Los Angeles produces the most heavy metal bands in the Philharmonic. Only a small number of the world’s world. One reason for the success of heavy metal greatest conductors are female. The prestigious is the music institute network, which produces classical music publication Musical America skilled instrumentalists. Well-known Finnish named Mälkki as their 2017 Conductor of the Year. metal bands include Nightwish, Children of Bodom, Apocalyptica, Amorphis, Kotiteollisuus, POP MUSIC WITH PERSONALITY Stam1na and Sonata Arctica. There are many Pop artist Alma is one of the great hopes for Finn- heavy metal festivals, the most popular being ish music exports. This is an artist with personality, Tuska, first arranged in 1998. Metal has become Pop artist Alma. as even Elton John has remarked, and her unique mainstream, listened to by nearly everyone re- © cyberalma.com voice and honest writing have appealed to inter- gardless of age or gender.
8 Music 9 03. Literature
1. 4. 5. Children’s literature 1. Mauri Kunnas, 2. Tove Jansson Young adult literature 3. Salla Simukka Adult’s literature 4. Pajtim Statovci, 5. Sofi Oksanen, 6. Kjell Westö, 7. Emmi Itäranta
FINNS LIKE TO READ • Finland has the highest literacy Masters of words rate in the world – and its people also read the most. • In the international PISA 2015 study, oday’s Finnish literature is evident as a award-winning speculative fiction novel has been Finland ranked fourth highest in rich selection of styles and types. Strictly translated into nearly 20 languages. reading performance. defined genres are no more – the works The young adult book author Salla Simukka • Finns are the second most T active library users in Europe, with combine fantasy, detective stories, science fiction became a highly successful author with her Snow 744 libraries and 137 library buses. and even social criticism. White Trilogy (2014). The translation rights of the 2. 3. Sofi Oksanen is one of the most discussed story have already been sold to 52 countries. Finnish authors of the decade. The opinionated The ever-popular Mauri Kunnas and Tove author covers Estonia’s recent history and timeless Jansson appeal to both children and adults. Kun- love, deception and power themes in her novels. nas is best known for his children’s books, which 6. 7. The Purge (2008) won the Finlandia award and include the historical Doghill books and an adap- was made into a film in 2012. tation for children of the national epic Kalevala. Kjell Westö writes about Finland’s history in The humour and self-styled setting of Moomins by his generation novels in Swedish. His most recent Tove Jansson fascinate people all over the world – novel, Den Svavelgula Himlen, is about friendship. in over 30 languages. The novel was published in the 2017 autumn in four languages almost simultaneously. Further information: Immigrant authors are also highlighted in The Finnish Literature Society (SKS) Finnish literature. My Cat Yugoslavia by Pajtim www.finlit.fi/en Statovci, which was published in 2014, discusses The Society of Swedish Literature in Finland (SLS) internal growth in people. www.sls.fi/en Emmi Itäranta wrote her debut novel, Memo-
ry of Water (2012), in both Finnish and English. The / Teos Lehväslaiho © Heini
10 11 04. Design
Shaping the future
innish design ranges from unique art pieces has been a forerunner in designing user interfaces. Although the job description of designers Many Aalto students come from abroad, and to electrical devices or service experiences. The design industry is expanding into the design is shifting toward designing digital products or receive an education that is primarily intended for F Effectiveness and user-friendliness are its of digital services, where listening to the users and communal areas, traditional design is still present. creating products and services for international defining characteristics. customers plays a large role. Many designers have revitalised traditions of markets. Restraint and functionality: these words apply The main trends in current design are social craftsmanship, and artistic crafts are experiencing Its fashion design programme is particularly to Finnish design in both the 20th and 21st cen- responsibility and applications of new, environ- a resurgence. Unique pieces of art, such as glass, highly acclaimed. Finnish fashion design is expe- turies. Still at its core is Scandinavian modernism, mentally friendly materials. appeal to more and more collectors. riencing a period of strong international growth. founded in nature and drawing on a tradition of There is an important role for comprehen- A clear sign of international interest is the strong craftsmanship, with simple colours and shapes. sive design in the development of services and THERE IS ROOM FOR EXPERIMENTATION presence of Finns in France’s prestigious Hyères The same user-oriented thinking that brought systems, and the Finnish public sector is a fore- WHEN STUDYING fashion festival finals. Finnish designers were prize- Finnish design to prominence after World War II is runner in this area. Design is being used to make The design education offered by Aalto University winners in 2012 and 2013 and received honorary now applied to designing services and systems. attractive, safe cities that are integrated with the in Helsinki is of a high international standard. Like recognition in 2016 and 2017. Design is everywhere around us, from hospital everyday lives of residents. many other top universities in the world, Aalto Finland’s own clothing industry excels in The Minna Parikka brand was equipment to public transport traffic signals. A well-designed cityscape encourages the use University and the Finnish education system have intelligent clothing for all ages, and sports attire born the day 15-year-old Minna Good design often goes unnoticed. Things work, of public areas with paving, lighting, park benches discovered the strength of allowing students to designed for demanding conditions. decided shoes were her life’s supporting everyday activities and giving quality to and community events such as Restaurant Day, experiment. In countries and schools where tuition true calling. Currently Minna life. Products or services are sustainable; they have developed in Finland. Helsinki is renowned for costs are high, people are forced to complete their Further information: Parikka’s shoe designs are sold long, environmentally friendly life-cycles and are trying to make its public areas into a living room degrees quickly, whereas Finland leaves room Design Forum Finland www.designforum.fi/en
© Jussi Ratilainen/Business Finland © Jussi Ratilainen/Business in 25 different countries. energy-efficient. As a high-tech country, Finland shared by all. Urban design is a means to this goal. for creative thinking and the innovation it allows. Aalto University arts.aalto.fi/en
12 13 HIGH QUALITY MEETS BEAUTY Harri Koskinen is one of the best-known Finnish designers.
His easily recognisable prod- / Katja Lösönen Kankurit © Lapuan A DENTIST’S CHAIR THAT IS NOT SCARY ucts include wrist watches for “I have worked for 30 years as a designer at Planmeca, which man- Cases: Issey Miyake, active speakers ufactures dental technology. Planmeca products contain diverse for Genelec (above) and the CREATIVITY STEMS FROM JOY state-of-the-art technology but we need to ensure that all our THE NEXT BIG THING SERVICE ORIENTATION Lantern product family for Textile and surface designer Reeta Ek was equipment is ergonomic, easy to use and hygienic for the dentists. The furniture pieces of Elina Ulvio have been Industrial Designer Mikko Koivisto from Hellon Iittala. His Block lamp is part honoured with the Design Forum Finland It must also generate trust in fearful patients, so that they remain described as functional art with a unique edge service design agency is a Finnish pioneer in of the collection of the New Young Designer of the Year award 2017. Ek had as relaxed as possible, allowing optimal treatment. The expertise and useful furniture features. In addition to service design. A graduate of Aalto University, York Museum of Modern Arts. previously trained as a painter, but became of designers shows in the way we combine these different needs, product design, Ulvio has studied architecture. he is one of the first academic professionals in Koskinen’s work is characterised fascinated by the construction of continuous which is why we participate in the design process from the outset. The combination can be seen in her work, where the industry and has sought to create a market by longevity, functionality and surfaces and continued her studies as a textile The designer’s work is still craftsmanship, because we work with space and form meet to create a new dimension for service design in Finland and abroad. Service plain aesthetics. His office of designer. Ek has designed printed and woven sketches and functional prototypes of the devices, even though the to furniture. Her work is fundamentally fresh orientation and customer encounters are rising creative industrial design, clothing and interior materials for Marimekko design takes place on a computer. This is how we combine good and surprising, with multiple levels. Wallpaper design trends. Koivisto has worked for example to Friends of Industry, works in and Lapuan Kankurit, amongst others. Although functionality with good usability.” magazine selected Ulvio for its 2016 Next Big improve service experiences at Helsinki University areas ranging from product Reeta Ek says creativity and pain are sometimes Kari Malmén works as Industrial Design Manager at Planmeca, a Thing edition, introducing the world’s hottest new Library and to design a customer experience con- design to larger industrial one and the same, the basic tone for creation leading dental technology company. Its products have won several talent. cept for the Helsinki region future light rail system. solutions. stems from joy, trust and freedom. international design competitions for functionality and aesthetics.
14 Design 15 16 05. Architecture Building functionalsolutions T bility of examining problems carefully andfrom learning theregulations, butontheholisticcapa- strict, themainfocus inthecurriculumisnot on architecture, late inthe19thcentury. the world to admitwomen into university to study tectural education. Finland was thefirst country in admission into allthree universities thatoffer archi knowledgeable andthere isstrong competition for tion. The curriculumisextensive, instructors are success isitsadvanced architectural educa- design tradition. One significant factor in Finland’s architecture firmsbasetheir work onthisstrong modern architecture. Today’s frontline Finnish thinking of their users for alongtime. century creates sustainable buildingsthatserve Although Finnish buildingregulations are It ishard to talk of Finnish architecture without ronment. Finnish architecture inthe21st a top-quality andfunctionalbuiltenvi- he goalof high-qualityarchitecture is Alvar Aalto , oneof thegreats of - for itshighqualityandnewcreation of newuses century school architecture iswell-known abroad such aslibraries, hospitals andschools.Finnish 21st the qualityandfunctionalityof publicbuildings, A societythatpromotes wellbeing cares about culture andbooksfor peopleof allages. has beendesignedto beanadaptable centre for a proposal by Arkkitehtitoimisto ALA.The building completed in2018.The competition was won by is Helsinki’s central library and architectural perspectives. Arecent example stimulated newways of thinking,surprising abilities petitions. For nearly150years, competitions have have beencreated asaresult of architectural com- create high-qualitybuildings. regulations takes place after graduation andhelps many perspectives. The dialoguewithbuilding ENJOYABLE EVERYDAY LIFE THE GOAL IS TO CREATE FUNCTIONAL AND A large share of Finland’s important buildings Oodi , whichwillbe Helsinki’s central library Oodiwillbecompleted in2018. and examples of Nordic functionalcities, have omy andthepeople. The results of theproject, sustainable interms of energy, climate, theecon- in citiesandmake themmore intelligent and project, Nordic architects seekto increase vitality effective city. In the and read theirlivingenvironment. teaches children andyoung peopleto appreciate education, aninterdisciplinary curriculumthat environment isalsoafocal point inarchitectural construction methods.The qualityof theurban of space to supportlearning,aswell assustainable Functional publicbuildingsare apartof an Nordic Sustainable Cities
Aalto University Archinfo Finland Further information: University receives students from allover theworld. gramme attheDepartment of Architecture atAalto developed. The year-long wood architecture pro so wood architecture hasbeensystematically ly 80percent of Finland iscovered by forest, and cooperation withtheenvirons. Approximate countries. been presented in United States, India, andother Urban planningdemandsrespect for materials arts.aalto.fi/en archinfo.fi/english
- - Reuter SandmanArchitects Ltd. Saija Hollmén, Architect, Hollmén attitude of respect and admiration.” of foreign cultures while having an by exposingstudentsto theinfluences ties. Itsupportsinteractive learning with local associationsand universi- good basicknowledgeand cooperation always highlighted thesignificance of has a25-year history inFinland. Ithas “Humanitarian architectural education
© Oodi Central Library 17 Cases: © Helena Sandman
HISTORY AND LIGHT
The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, Weijun © Pan opened in Warsaw in 2013, was designed by Finnish
architect firm Lahdelma & Mahlamäki. Its chief designer © Pekka Littow Photos was Professor Rainer Mahlamäki. Approximately 150 firms participated in the competition for the design of the museum and 11 were selected to participate in the second phase. In addition to the basic exhibition, the museum’s well-lit 17,000 square metres serve as an edu cation and culture centre. Among Finnish architectural works, POLIN is regarded as one of the most significant buildings of the last five decades, and won the first Finlandia Award for Architecture. It has been acclaimed by visitors as well the client.
RESPECTING LOCAL CONDITIONS Hollmén Reuter Sandman Arkkitehdit specialises in designing culturally and ecologically sustainable buildings in developing countries. They are built using as many local and recycled materials as possible and with respect for local conditions. The SUCCESS IN CHINA SMALL, SPECIAL FASHION HOUSE three Finnish architects in the firm have designed The Wuxi Grand Theatre was completed in 2012 The fashion shop designed by architect Pekka a women’s centre in Senegal and an orphanage as a symbol of the seven million residents of Littow for clothing designer Anna Ruohonen and women’s safe house in Tanzania. They are the city. The sculpture-like building is covered was completed on Boulevard Raspail in Paris in currently working on school projects in Tanzania by eight steel wings of 60-90 metres. A local 2013. In the same year, it was included in the and Egypt. material, bamboo, was greatly used in the interior. famous Louis Vuitton travel guide and in 2014 the They established the Ukumbi association The building was designed by PES-Arkkitehdit of Paris Chamber of Commerce selected it as the in 2007 to use architecture to improve living Finland, which has become well-established in best fashion shop of the city. The small building is conditions in developing countries. Other Finnish China in the 21st century and has won numerous unique, defined by the size and shape of the lot: architectural task forces also work for Ukumbi. architectural competitions. In 2018, a complex its five storeys fit on a triangle of only 23 square In Cambodia Ukumbi has implemented projects Photos © W. Kryński / POLIN Museum © W. Photos designed by the firm, consisting of five cultural metres, and yet include a brand showroom, pro- such as the innovative Lab.our Ward project, which centres, is being opened in Fuzhou. duction space, offices and a roof terrace. helps improve conditions in maternity wards.
18 Architecture 19 06. Dance & Theatre 1. Circus artist Milla Järvinen at Tampere Theatre Festival 2017. Photo © Carolin Büttner
2. Matraquita Soher: (A)part, Baltic Circle festival 2016. Photo © Tani Simberg
3. Tripit! Other Spaces festival 2017, 1. Koralliriutta-rehearsal. Photo © Esa Kirkkopelto
4. Immunsystemet by Rosalind Goldbergin, Sandra Lolaxn and Stina Nyberg, Mad House Theatre. Photo © Saara Autere
Art on stage 2. 5. 6.
inland is a true theatre land. The Finnish the- from various art fields. Other Spaces invents and Mad House is a house for live and perfor- atre network covers the whole country from develops collective physical exercises through mance art in Suvilahti, Helsinki. It is a project of F south to north. About three million theatre which people can visit “other spaces”. The group performing arts based on learning by experience tickets are sold in Finland every year. The dance performs its exercises regularly in practical and continual transformation. Live art is a term that scene is vivid, too, with about 450,000 spectators demonstrations, and organises public workshops describes the new field of art created in the terrain a year at a total of 3,000 dance performances. for youth and adults. between the various traditions of performing arts, Theatre group sadsongskomplex:fi is an in- Oblivia is an international performance born in the 21st century. ternationally operating professional theatre com- company and a unique force on the Finnish Tero Saarinen Company was founded after pany and an ensemble of independent artists. The performance scene. The members of Oblivias are Saarinen’s successful international career as a 3. vision of the Helsinki-based theatre company is from Finland and Germany, with backgrounds in dancer. It has performed at prestigious venues in to build artistic bridges with old and new partners music, dance and the literary arts. This mixture forty countries, on six continents. The company’s between North and South, East and West. creates a vibrant and special tension and humour mission is to create, perform and teach powerful 4. Tampere Theatre Festival is the oldest and in the work. and engaging contemporary dance, based on the largest professional theatre festival in the Nor- Baltic Circle is an international festival for Tero Saarinen’s artistic vision. dic countries, serving as a showcase for the finest contemporary theatre organised annually in 7. Finnish and international productions. The festival November in Helsinki. It is a platform for new phe- Further information: programme includes a wide range of genres within nomena and an active forum for discussion. The Theatre Info Finland www.tinfo.fi/en 5. Liisa Sofia Pöntinen in 6. Morphed 7. Nature Theatre of Oblivia the dramatic arts. works seen at the festival tackle the major ques- Dance Info Finland www.danceinfo.fi/en Sad Songs from the Heart of Choreography: Tero Saarinen; Production: Oblivia / Marina Europe / sadsongskomplex:fi. Saku Koistinen (left), Ima Andersson-Rahikka and Jenny (Toisissa tiloissa) is a Helsinki- tions of our times, and explore new interpretations Other Spaces Photo © Aki Loponen Iduozee, Jarkko Lehmus. Nordlund. Photo © Saara Autere based live arts collective that consists of artists of the performing arts and production methods. Photo © Heikki Tuuli.
20 21 22 F humour thatisoften included intheperformances. of repetitions, thesenseof dangerandalsothe clude technical skillsacquired through thousands usually associated withtraditional circus. from beingeasilyapproachable –features thatare away from beingact-based andsometimesalso or perspective. Contemporary circus hasmoved skills can beusedto express thedesired emotion forming artsandmodernart. It askshow technical circus tours inbeing more comparable withper expressions. 1990s, isfounded ontechnical skillsandunique at dangerouslyhighlevels Contemporary circus 07. Circus The characteristics of contemporary circus in- Contemporary circus differs from traditional cess inthisyoung artform, developed inthe world andperform to large audiences. Suc innish contemporary circus groups tour the - - atives of different ethnicgroups. Finnish circus pants andto create dialoguebetween represent social circus isto inspire creativity inthepartici- wellbeing of different specialgroups. The goal of social circus. It aimsto useartto supportthe to rural areas, too. April andNovember, taking traditional circus arts at home. rary circus. place inFrance, thehomecountry of contempo- Most of the performances of thetop groups take Finnish contemporary circus ishighlyinternational. eo artanddigital features intheirperformances. groups combine twisted humour, melancholy, vid- The Finnish phenomenoninthisfieldisthe Traditional circus artsare alsoalive andwell The most internationally successful Finnish Sirkus Finlandia tours Finland between - refugee camps. There have alsobeenperformances inSyrian for visuallyimpaired children andasylumseekers. example, the University of Tampere intheearly2000s.For groups pioneered thisphenomenontogether with ics, balancing,jugglingandmagic. The expanded arts andtheirexpression: acrobatics, airacrobat 1,300 hours, explores thedifferent forms of circus arts. The curriculum, which lastsbetween 500and people general andexpanded basiceducation in is vital for theindustry. Four schoolsoffer young schools andtheirwork withchildren andyouth constantly growing. There are nearly50circus The numberof circus enthusiasts inFinland is THE PROMISED LAND OF CIRCUS SCHOOLS Sirkus Magenta tailors itsperformances - Salpaus Further Education www.tuas.fi/en Turku University of Applied Sciences Cirko –Center for New Circus Further information: be seeninthetour destinationsof thegroups. worked upongraduation, acharacteristic thatcan why Finnish circus artperformers are already net abroad, primarilyatuniversities inEurope. This is Finland’s top performers acquire theireducation master’s level academic education incircus arts,so also exported. In contrast, Finland doesnot offer degree. Finnish circus pedagogical expertise is on thehighereducation level upto abachelor’s Sciences offers acircus pedagogicscurriculum Arts Academy attheTurku University of Applied upper secondary vocational education whilethe Further Education inLahti offers circus artsas offered attwo institutionsin Finland. Salpaus education. curriculum provides theabilityto applyfor further After basicartseducation, circus studiesare
en.salpaus.fi www.cirko.fi/en -
Photos © Henri Särkkä / Turku University of Applied Sciences 23 Cases:
ENCHANTING CHAOS Race Horse Company is one contemporary circus group that is in high demand internationally. Its performances include the aesthetics of chaos, humour and surprise. They do not pose questions, but leave the philosophy and thinking to the spec- tator. Race Horse Company has always focused on tours and its goal is to become world-renowned. The group’s performances have already been enjoyed in France, Germany, New York, the British Isles and the Netherlands. They combine clown acts, juggling, acrobatics, dance and music.
ART AND MAGIC One of the leading figures in Finnish contem- porary circus is Kalle Nio, who graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts. Nio is a visual and video artist and a magician who works with visual theatre, contemporary circus, short films and video installations. As a magician, Nio specialises in developing new tricks and a new type of magic. He is also one of the founders of the theatre group WHS, which has greatly advanced Finnish con- temporary circus arts. The group has performed in over 30 countries, with visiting acts at festivals, circus performances, art museums, theatres and Super Sunday © Petter Hellman / Race Horse Company. puppet theatres. Kalle Nio and Vera Tegelman in Lähtö. © Tom Hakala.
24 Circus 25 08. Visual arts
1. 5.
4.
1. Amos Rex art museum 2. 5. Passage by Ville Andersson, Archival pigment print, 70x105 cm Art goes underground 6. From Saniainen kukkii juhannuksena by Reetta Niemensivu. (Published by Suuri Kurpitsa 2013, and in French by Cambourakis 2014: La fresh attraction for art lovers is situated she investigates the processes of perception and artwork. Her debut album Lempi ja rakkaus (Amour Nuit de la Saint-Jean) in the heart of Helsinki. The Amos Rex attribution of meaning. and Love) is said to be a melancholy, beautiful and A complex consists of the art museum be- Otto Karvonen makes art that evokes mixed timeless love story, which could have been used low ground, the Bio Rex movie theatre and foyer, responses of confusion, disbelief, hilarity and for the Finnish romantic film industry in the 1950s. 6. and the Lasipalatsi square. disapproval. He has worked in various parts of Saniainen kukkii juhannuksena (The Fern Blooms “Our principle has been to create a space that the world for nearly twenty years. His art is often in Midsummer) tells the story of a church that was takes into consideration changes in art as well the situated in public spaces, sometimes without struck by lightning in the 1920s. 3. as ever-evolving ways in which art is made and asking for permission beforehand; he doesn’t want Ville Andersson is a versatile artist, both in his presented”, says museum director Kai Kartio. to spoil the surprise. use of different media and variety of styles. He is 2. Katja Tukiainen, visual artist Katja Tukiainen works with site-specific known for his photographs that are often staged, ”La Tempesta”, oil on canvas, FINNISH CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS narration. She is best known for her paintings and dramatised situations, with actors or dancers as Katja Tukiainen 2012 TO CHECK OUT comics. Her works are recognisable by their joyful his models. In his latest exhibition he is interested Eija-Liisa Ahtila is a contemporary visual artist colours – especially pink and magenta – and in such non-places, which are not just a matter of 4. Roots of the City by Otto Karvonen, 2013. 3. Potential for love – Mahdollinen rakkaus by and filmmaker. She experiments with narrative sympathetic figures and expressive style. She deals absence, but also of the presence of absence. Public sculpture. Aluminium signs (pointing Eija-Liisa Ahtila, 2018. Moving image sculpture. storytelling in her films and cinematic installa- with themes of daily politics, sorrow and longing directly at the birthplaces of various Helsinki Photographed by Liisa Takala residents). Kamppi metro station, Helsinki tions. She has dealt with the unsettling human as well as dreams, love and peace. Further information: © Crystal Eye – Kristallisilmä Oy, Helsinki Finland Commissioned by Helsinki Art Museum dramas at the centre of personal relationships, Reetta Niemensivu combines ink drawing, Frame Contemporary Art Finland Courtesy of Marian Goodman Gallery, New York, Photo © Jonna Öhrnberg family relations and death, and in her later works watercolour, shadow and image processing in her frame-finland.fi/en Paris and London
26 27 28 T Films inFinland 09. Audiovisual industry by by out abroad. For example, productions, directors andTVseriesare branching the wake of Kaurismäki’s success, other Finnish AV puolen show hislatest feature-length film, at theCannes Film Festival in2016.The rights to films. He received aLifetime Achievement Award Aki Kaurismäki to newproduction incentives. becoming anattractive filmlocation, partlythanks international gems.At thesametime,Finland is domestic market, itsaudiovisual industryproduces fewer thanlive inLondon, butdespite thesmall profile asagoodproduction location. At thesametime,they are raising theircountry’s cessfully producing content for globalaudiences. Juho Kuosmanen One of Europe’s best-known auteur directors, Finland hasapopulationof only5.5million, , have beensoldto over 80countries. In and production professionals are suc world butFinnish filmdirectors, composers here maybefew speakers of Finnish inthe , hasdirected 18feature-length , haditsworld premiere in Hymyilevä mies Toivon tuolla , directed - be cold; oneof Europe’s most reliable locations to becold, remote andexpensive. It can indeed As aproduction location, Finland isoften thought children’s content. lic broadcaster inproducing andcommissioning education butalsoby long-term work by thepub- has beenfuelledby Finland’s goodreputation in does not condescend to children. The success Finland isknown for aneducational approach that successful abroad. Like theother Nordic countries, recognised for theirspecialeffects. comedy success of genre films,like thefuturisticsci-fi duction andCGI expertise isalsoevident inthe mentaries, especiallyaboutnature. Its post-pro- won theUn Certain Regard award. May 2016attheCannes Film Festival, where it NIGHTLESS NIGHT COUNTRY OF FOUR SEASONS AND THE Finnish programming for children ishighly Finland alsomake alot of high-qualitydocu- Iron Sky anditssequels,whichhave been Juho Kuosmanen Aki Kaurismäki involving Finnish AV operators. Film Foundation alsofundsco-productions incurred inFinland reimbursed. The Finnish can applyto have 25percent of costs through Helsinki. the shortest flight route from Asia to Europe is many European citiesisonlyafew hours –and for aday. even large citiesare willingto close astreet land have praised theflexibility of authorities; Production companies thathave filmedin Fin- for filmingindustrialenvironments orepochs. night, too. Finnish cities,inturn,are suitable the summer, thesunshinesfor most of the land haslodgingservices for any need. road connections are goodandFinnish Lap- fell scenery isalsoeasilyaccessible; flight and Circle. Thanks to goodnationalinfrastructure, to filmwithsnow are located above theArctic As anincentive, production companies Finland isnot remote. The flight timefrom However, there are four seasonsand,in 3. Midnight suninJulyRovaniemi. 2. Kittilä,Levi,Lapland. Film Farm and Houseof Lapland. Productions, Borsalino Productions, Lapland. Photo ©MRPMatilaRohr Maidatchevsky filming inFinnish 1. Ailo’sJourney:Director Guillaume 1. 3. 2.
© Visit Rovaniemi 29 Finnish AV industry workers are entrepre- neurs, used to working on a variety of tasks across multiple areas of responsibility. Professional laughing together! production teams are compact, agile and efficient, with a positive outlook. They are proud of their ability to solve problems. Finnish special effects
and post-production expertise are also esteemed 2017 © Gigglebug Entertainment internationally.
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES TO MOVE PRODUCTION TO FINLAND Since 2017, Finnish AV expertise has become even more accessible. A 25% Cash Rebate incentive allows production companies from around the
world to be reimbursed for a quarter of their © Fisher King Oy production costs in Finland. Rebates are available for full-feature films, documentaries, scripted TV series and animations if their budget is sufficiently large and the amount spent in Finland exceeds a certain threshold. For example, the minimum total Cases: FINNISH TV SELLS WELL INTERNATIONALLY budget for full-feature films is EUR 2.5 million. FEEL-GOOD ENTERTAINMENT A Nordic Noir crime drama Bordertown is current- Applications can be made online at any time Gigglebug and her friends are Finnish animation characters ly making Finnish TV history. The series, completed of the year. The rebates are granted by Business that entertain children and the young at heart all over the in 2016 and based in Lappeenranta near the Finland, which decides in 40 days whether they world. The series of tales of the little bug have been sold to Russian border, is the most broadly distributed are payable and then pays within 30 days of re- 13 countries, making it the second largest Finnish TV format Finnish TV drama: its rights have been sold to over ceiving the auditor’s report. Any production phase, since the Moomins. In addition to the TV series, Gigglebug 40 countries and it is also available on Netflix. SPECIAL CONDITIONS ranging from screenwriting to music and post- has been featured in popular games, children’s books, toys Previous successful Finnish TV series have been “Finland has filming locations everywhere, which is inspiring for film-makers and production, can be located in Finland. For exam- and children’s music. It was created by Gigglebug Enter- Madventures, The Dudesons and Kill Arman, which gives them freedom. We have freedom to move – there is plenty of public space ple, if a production company’s audited costs of tainment, established in 2013, which has also developed the were shown in over 100 countries. as well as a tremendous number of nature and scenic locations accessible through filming in Finland are € 300,000 it can receive series 101 Dalmatian Street for the Disney Channel. The Ultimate Expedition series developed by public right of access. When thinking about filming conditions, there is plenty of € 75,000 back from Business Finland. Finnish Rabbit Films is the largest non-fiction TV light from spring to autumn and it has a special quality - consider for example the production on the pay-TV channel YouTube Red evening sun shining from low in the sky.” Further information: owned by Google. In the series, nine celebrities Selma Vilhunen is a Finnish film director and screenwriter. Her latest works include The Finnish Film Foundation SES ses.fi/en with no previous experience of mountain-climbing prize-winning films such as the follow-up documentary Hobbyhorse Revolution Business Finland www.businessfinland.fi/en climb a Peruvian mountain. (2017) and family drama Little Wing (2016).
30 Audiovisual industry 31 10. Game industry
IMPORTANT YEARS FOR THE FINNISH GAMING INDUSTRY • 1979 the first Finnish digital game is developed. • 1995 establishment of the first Finnish gaming companies still in operation. • 2016 industry revenues in Finland reach EUR 2.5 billion, and 7% of global mobile game revenue is generated by Finnish Small flexible giant companies.
ounded by inspired enthusiasts, the game nies in the industry are already over 20 years old. ed to this success, guiding the Finnish gaming industry has become Finland’s largest crea- This has given them solid business expertise. industry and bringing mobile expertise to game F tive exporter. The domestic market is small, Finnish game companies look after the gam- companies. However, Finland develops games for so hit games like Angry Birds, Clash of Clans and ing community, because players are an important nearly all existing platforms ranging from triple A Max Payne and many others were made directly resource for them. Gaming has become ever more console games to VR games, smartwatches and for global markets. social, involving teamwork. YouTubers and eSport online games. The very first Finnish digital game was pro- events around the world also strengthen the con- Because of the small domestic market, duced as early as 1979. In three decades, game nection between gaming companies and gamers. companies cooperate rather than compete. Game industry has become Finland’s largest exporter Currently, there are approximately 250 developers meet monthly and are active commu- of creative arts. The world market continues to gaming companies in Finland. The well-educated nicators, making cumulative expertise available grow, with games for young and old alike. Because population is an important resource for them, to all companies. Moreover, many global gaming of the small size of the domestic market, Finnish and they also train the talent they need. They are companies have established offices in Helsinki companies develop their games directly for global already very international employers; nearly one and other cities, or invested in Finnish companies. audiences. fifth of their workers are from other countries. Most industry funding comes from international As with many other creative industries, many They recruit senior professionals both domestically sources, but many of the companies are owned by successful gaming companies have been founded and abroad. their employees. This supports a flexible start-up by enthusiasts who play games and develop them culture where new ideas are boldly tested. for fun. The first commercial games appeared in FAVOURABLE MARKETS the mid-1980s and first still existing companies Mobile gaming is one of the most rapidly growing Further information: were established in mid 90´s. The oldest compa- types of gaming. Nokia Corporation contribut- Neogames www.neogames.fi/en GameXpo 2017, Helsinki. © Heidi Koivunen / Messukeskus Helsinki
32 33 34 Game industry
© Lehtikuva world-building. story-based, resembling movies, andcontain skilful linked to aTVseries.Remedy’s gamesare typically are Other well-known gamesby thesamecompany copies, andwas madeinto aHollywood movie. a globalphenomenon,sellingover 8million published by Remedy in2001.Max Payne became of theindustrydates from developer of storytelling actiongames.The rise Remedy Entertainment isFinland’s most successful Cases: STORYTELLERS’ STUDIO Alan Wake and Quantum Break Max Payne , whichisalso , agame these istheCities: Skylines, publishedin2015. published three Cities games.The bestknown of city simulation games for PCs. The company has Colossal Order Ltd, whichspecialisesindeveloping Mariina Hallikainen, Chief executive officer international investors andworkers to Finland.” as motivators andmodels,have alsobrought successes possible. The hitgameshave served and supportive atmosphere madethefirst global are deepinthedemoscene, andanexperimental ment technology. The roots of thegamingindustry agency (Tekes) has helped develop game develop- pany associations,whilethenationaltechnology and contacts can beeasilyacquired through com- encourages newentrants to gaming.Information availability of skilledlabourandagoodteam spirit “Finland’s free furthereducation increases the MAKING OLD-SCHOOL WORK most successful game-basedmovie of alltime. chandising andamovie, whichbecame oneof the Birds hasgenerated anenormousamount of mer world’s best-selling mobilegamebrand. Angry 3 billiondownloads, AngryBirds gamesare the their eggswas launched in2009andwithover enon. The originalgameof smallbirds protecting success –both as a mobilegameandphenom- Angry Birds, developed by Rovio, has beenahuge THE ANGRY BIRDS PHENOMENON - 35 CREATIVE FINLAND From inspiration Did you know? to implementation Finland has a vibrant, successful gaming industry. 98 per cent of the game production is exported, and Finnish mobile games generate roughly 7 per cent of global mobile game revenues.
The views expressed herein are solely those of the authors. E-mail: [email protected] For free reference use.